Movies beyond Borders

Since I was taking a break from my regular life, I've had the chance to explore international cinema on platforms such as Mubi and Amazon Prime. It is interesting to find that the streaming platforms have made it easy for people like me to explore the genres and cinematic experience of films in such a wide manner. It is now easy to discover the hidden gems and expand my cinematic horizons. In this blog post, I am not going to review films that I watched, I will just share my experience of watching them and recommend some of them to you all. Some of them might be old, some new and upbeat, but that is al we are here for!

1. "Passages" (France)

One of the highly promoted films on Mubi, this one is directed by Ira Sachs. It tells a lot more about the innate complexity of human nature and the effects it has on others around us in such a simple and clear manner that one comes close to thinking about the effect of their own actions on people around us. It is thought-provoking on the theme of self development, sexuality, indecisiveness and relationships, has exquisite performances, and is crisp and textured. There is a scene at the end of the film, a one shot on the lead actor (Franz Rogowski) as he undergoes a whiplash of emotions while driving a bicycle on the streets of Paris; which definitely leaves a mark on you.

2. "Jane B. Par Agnes V." (France)

Another film that caught my eye through the Instagram handle of Mubi, due to the dialog that was being delivered, "when you show it all, you reveal very little", that made me curious to watch this film. Directed by Agnès Varda, this isn't something that a usual movie watcher, entertainer will look for. She is a muse, she is a star, she is a stunner but she is a person behind the curtains with characteristics of her own folding in herself. The director has made sure she catches the real Jane in every possible way, making it difficult to for her hide behind the camera (yet again). It is a beautiful ode, both to the artist Jane Birkin and to the idea of filmmaking. Varda, once again, shakes the borders and barriers of cinema with this one.

3. "Fallen Leaves" (Finland)

This movie has been making huge rounds among the groups of the cinematic enthusiasts that I was bound to watch this film. Directed by Aki Kaurismäki, it tells the story of two lonely people who meet by chance and try to find love with all the obstacles they face. I wouldn't exactly claim I enjoyed it thoroughly, for it is rather slow in depicting the emotions and the instances that bring both of these souls together. It gives a very 1970s vibe, and is shifted to a very simple and slow way of living. It was difficult for me to be patient for that long, especially with the melancholy that was going around constantly in the background, and is good for the passive viewers.

4. "Return to Seoul" (France)

This one was really a hidden gem for me! Directed by Davy Chou, "Return to Seoul" is a thought proving poignant film that explores the meaning of 'identity' for oneself. The story shows a 25 year old Freddie who has grown up in France but has returned to Seoul to find her roots and meet her parents. As the film unfolds, we see more of the layered sides of this woman, as well as the relationships she is surrounded by and he wants to surround herself with. It was then ending of the film for me, those last 15 minutes or so, that made me think about families, identity and what it all means to us in the end.

5. "Mast Mein Rehne Ka" (India)

Well this was a sweet treat and I made sure my parents watched it too! Directed by Vijay Maurya, it is a sweet, simple and funny but poignant take on the lives of people, all different, and yet intertwined with each other. All the four actors did an amazing job with their performances and what I really liked about the film was the pace at which it unfolded the story, linking different lives and characters in such a beautiful manner. The writing is impeccable for this one and there is an additional beauty in the film that comes along when one sees Mumbai city as the background supporting actor, again showcasing an amazing performance!

This is just a part of the cinema I had the chance to explore these past few days. Each of these movies offers a unique and captivating cinematic experience, and I'd recommend you to start checking them out, explore and and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of global cinema.

So, grab your popcorn, find a cozy spot on the couch, and let these international films transport you to different worlds and broaden your cinematic horizons!